Max Verstappen has shut down speculation linking him with a sensational move to Mercedes, insisting that much of the talk about his Formula 1 future is simply people trying to “create drama.” For weeks,

Rumors continued to simmer until two days ago, when Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko confirmed his expectation that Verstappen would be back in 2026. ESPN's Nate Saunders reported an exit clause in Verstappen's contract came and went, too, making it more likely he'd stay put.

Max Verstappen produced one of his worst showings in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix and has all but ruled out winning another race this year - something his boss at Red Bull disagrees with